Gaskets and diaphragms for filtration systems

ABSTRACT

Specialized dust collection systems are provided that include a pulsed air system; at least one diaphragm valve assembly, which functions as the pulsed air valve; and a controller for controlling the diaphragm valve assembly and pulsed distribution of the pressurized air. The diaphragm valve assembly may be controlled by the controller and is operable to selectively deliver pressurized air to the air distribution assembly in short pulses or bursts. The disclosed diaphragm valve assembly can be utilized to improve the functionality of the pulsed air system and the dust collection system.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/732,773 entitled“GASKETS AND DIAPHRAGMS FOR FILTRATION SYSTEMS,” filed Sep. 18, 2018,the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to filtration systems. Moreparticularly, the present invention generally relates to dust collectionsystems comprising specific diaphragm valves.

2. Description of the Related Art

Dust collection systems for filtering and collecting dust, dirt, andother fine particulate from a particulate-laden air stream commonlyinclude air filters, such as air filter cartridges, for filtering thedust from the clean air. Typically, the cartridges are mounted in aplate, commonly referred to as a tube sheet or a cell plate, thatseparates the dust collection into a lower, dirty air chamber and anupper, clean air chamber. The air filter cartridges may include filtermedia that tend to accumulate at least a portion of the separated dust.To maintain an efficient filtering system, the dust accumulated on thefilter media must be at least partially removed, especially if the dustcollects in a relatively thick layer.

To dislodge the collected dust from the filter media and otherwiserefresh the media, dust collection systems commonly direct pressurizedair against and through the air filter cartridges in pulses, i.e.,intermittently. To direct the pressurized air against and through thefilter cartridges, a pipe, commonly referred to as a purge pipe, ispositioned above the air filter cartridge. The pipe includes smallopenings through a bottom of the pipe facing the air filter cartridgeand is fluidly connected to a pulse valve that controls pressurized airpassing through the pipe, the openings in the pipe, and the air filtercartridge. The pressurized air assists in dislodging collected dust fromthe filter media.

Each purge pipe is also typically connected to the pulse valve in anairtight connection with either a compression coupling, a threadedunion, a flexible hose and clamps, or other securement mechanism.Additionally, not only must the purge pipe be connected to the pulsevalve in an airtight communication, it should be securely positionedwithin the system and not susceptible to any movement during operation.Otherwise, there may be a misalignment of the holes in the purge pipeand over the air filter cartridges, which results in less than optimalcleaning of the filter media.

Some dust collection systems may utilize diaphragm valves as the pulsevalves to better control the release of air pulses during the cleaningcycle. Generally, the diaphragm valves comprise a rubber diaphragm thatopens and closes to release the compressed air stored in the air headertank. The air then passes through the valve into the pulse pipes abovethe filters.

Additionally, such dust collection systems may operate at higherpressures and, therefore, care must be taken to ensure that efficientoperating pressures are maintained within the systems. Thus, gaskets maybe used throughout the system to better maintain pressure conditions.However, new and more efficient gasket designs are still being developedin order to enhance pressure maintenance within these systems.

Accordingly, further research is still being conducted on superiordiaphragm valves for pulsed air systems in dust collection systems andfor more efficient gaskets that may help to better maintain pressureconditions within the dust collection system.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments of the present invention generally concern adiaphragm valve assembly for a dust collection system. Generally, thediaphragm valve assembly comprises: (a) a diaphragm body comprising alower body and an upper body, wherein the lower body comprises at leastone indentation; and (b) a diaphragm cap adapted to be affixed to theupper body.

One or more embodiments of the present invention generally concern adust collection system. Generally, the dust collection system comprises:(a) a purge pipe; (b) a gas reservoir tank; and (c) a diaphragm valveassembly at least partially disposed in the gas reservoir tank and influid communication with the purge pipe. Furthermore, the diaphragmvalve assembly comprises: (i) a diaphragm body comprising a lower bodyand an upper body, wherein the lower body comprises at least oneindentation; and (ii) a diaphragm cap adapted to be affixed to the upperbody.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with referenceto the following drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an arch gasket according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts an alternative view of the arch gasket according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts an alternative view of the arch gasket according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the arch gasket used between the tubesheet access door and plenum in the dust collection system;

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the arch gasket used between the tubesheet access door and plenum in the dust collection system;

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a corner gasket according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts an alternative view of the corner gasket according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts an alternative view of the corner gasket according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of the corner gasket used between thefiltration cartridge and the plenum back sheet and tube sheet accessdoor in the dust collection system;

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of the diaphragm valve assembly accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of the diaphragm valve assembly accordingto the present invention;

FIGS. 12A-12E depict various views of the diaphragm valve body;

FIG. 13 depicts an embodiment of the diaphragm valve assembly positionedon the pressure vessel and purge pipe;

FIG. 14 depicts a cross-sectional view of the diaphragm valve assemblypositioned on the pressure vessel and purge pipe;

FIG. 15 depicts a cross-sectional view of the diaphragm valve assemblypositioned on the pressure vessel and purge pipe;

FIG. 16 depicts an alternative view of diaphragm valve assemblypositioned on the pressure vessel and purge pipe; and

FIG. 17 depicts an alternative view of diaphragm valve assemblypositioned on a flat sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention solve the above-described problemsand provide a distinct advance in the art of air distributionarrangements for dust collection systems. In particular, embodiments ofthe present invention provide a dust collection system broadlycomprising a housing; a hopper extending from the housing to collectdust; a tube sheet mounted within the housing and generally dividing thehousing into a lower, dirty air chamber and an upper, clean air chamber;at least one filter cartridge configured to be removably mounted in thetube sheet; and a pulsed air system for at least partially cleaning theat least one filter cartridge. An exemplary dust collection system isdepicted in U.S. Pat. No. 8,157,878, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

In various embodiments, the dust collection systems of the presentinvention may utilize specialized arch gaskets and/or corner gaskets toreinforce certain connections points within the system. As discussed ingreater detail below, the arch gaskets and the corner gaskets of thepresent invention may better reinforce the pressure conditions of thesystem and/or enhance the sanitary conditions within the system.

In various embodiments, the pulsed air system of the present inventionbroadly comprises a pressurized air source; at least one pulsed airvalve; a controller for controlling the pulsed air valve and pulseddistribution of the pressurized air; an air distribution assemblyincluding a plurality of purge pipes; and tubing for delivering thepressurized air from the pressurized air source and to the airdistribution assembly. As discussed below, these pulsed air valves cancomprise the diaphragm valves of the present invention, which arediscussed in further detail below.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a cross-sectional side view of an arch gasket 10is depicted. As shown in FIG. 1, the arch gasket 10 can comprise twomain leg extensions 12, 14 and an arch 16 formed by two lobes 18, 20extending from the main body of the arch gasket 10. The legs 12, 14 ofthe arch gasket 10 are designed to be able to bend around radiuscorners, such as those of the doors in the dust collection system, andare able to also enhance the sealing capability to the pressure orvacuum encountered where the gasket is placed. The legs 12, 14 and arch16 allow for the production of a gasket with a much higher stiffness anda longer sealing tolerance distance. For example, the arch gasket 10design in FIG. 1 allows the door and other system components in contactwith the gasket 10 to be made with simple sheet metal and weldingwithout the need for a secondary machining step to get tolerances into areasonable value for other sealing methods. FIG. 1 also depicts thecavity 13 formed by the legs 12, 14. This cavity 13 can be adapted tobetter grip certain components in the dust collection system, such astube sheets doors or plenums.

Furthermore, FIG. 1 also depicts the vertical axis X of the gasket 10,which divides the gasket into two symmetrical pieces, along with themaximum width A of the gasket 10, the minimum width B of the gasket 10,the maximum length L₁ of the gasket 10, the length L₂ of the legs 12,14, and the maximum depth L₃ of the arch 16. In various embodiments, themaximum width A of the gasket 10 is at least 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5times greater than the minimum width B of the gasket 10. Additionally oralternatively, in various embodiments, the maximum length L₁ of thegasket 10 is at least 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5 and/or less than 4,3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.9, or 1.8 times greater than the length L₂ of the legs12, 14. In other embodiments, the length L₂ of the legs 12, 14 is atleast 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 times greater than the maximumdepth L₃ of the arch 16.

Unlike prior art gaskets, which have removed inner-cores therefrom toallow for greater flexibility, the arch gasket 10 maintains this innercore in order to increase the reliability and durability of the gasket.More particularly, the gasket 10 configuration depicted in FIG. 1 helpsprevent the gasket from splitting from too much force being impartedonto the gasket 10 because the gasket 10 is solid throughout. Moreover,the large side engagement formed by the legs 12, 14 is able to provide adesirable amount of adhesive surface to connect to the desired componentin the system (e.g., a door), which may allow a user to more easilyinstall the gasket 10 into the system at its intended location. Thus,the arch gasket 10 is designed to hold relatively high pressures orvacuums compared to the down force needed to be imparted on the gasketinto the opposite sealing side.

In various embodiments, the arch gasket 10 can be produced from varioustypes of elastomers. In certain embodiments, the arch gasket 10 can beproduced from a silicone elastomer having a shore hardness of at least30, 35, or 40 durometers.

FIGS. 2 and 3 depict elongated forms of the arch gaskets 10 that aredesigned to fit between the door and plenum in the dust collectionsystem according to one embodiment of the present invention. Althoughthe arch gasket 10 is depicted as having a square shape, it is readilyappreciated that the gasket 10 may comprise different shapes dependingon the intended location and placement of the gasket 10.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict an installed state of the arch gasket 10. Moreparticularly, FIG. 4 depicts the arch gasket 10 positioned between thetube sheet door 22 and plenum 24 of the dust collection system. The archgasket 10 may be disposed between the door 22 and plenum 24 to assist increating the air-tight connection between these components duringoperation of the dust collection system. As depicted in FIG. 4, the doorcan be placed within the cavity formed by the two legs 12, 14 of thearch gasket 10, while the arch 16 of the gaskets is positioned proximateto the plenum 24. As shown in FIG. 4, the legs 12, 14 are able to bendaround radius corners of the door 22 and, consequently, may maximize thesealing capability of the door 22.

FIG. 5 provides a broader view of the arch gasket 10 placed between thedoor 22 and plenum 24.

Next, FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the corner gasket100. As shown in FIG. 1, the corner gasket 100 comprises two nodes 102,104 positioned on the plenum side of the gasket 100. Thus, nodes 102,104 may be positioned on the same surface of the gasket 100. The mainbody 101 of the gasket 100 is formed by a first extension 106 and asecond extension 108 extending from the main body 101.

FIG. 6 also depicts the length L₁ of the first extension 106, the lengthL₂ of the second extension 108, the maximum height H₁ of the first node102, the maximum height H₂ of the second node 104, and the angle formedbetween the first extension 106 and the second extension 108. In variousembodiments, the length L₁ of the first extension 106 and the length L₂of the second extension 108 can be substantially the same.Alternatively, the length L₁ of the first extension 106 and the lengthL₂ of the second extension 108 can be different. For example, the lengthL₁ of the first extension 106 can be greater than or less than thelength L₂ of the second extension 108.

In various embodiments, the maximum height H₁ of the first node 102 andthe maximum height H₂ of the second node 104 can be substantially thesame. Alternatively, the maximum height H₁ of the first node 102 can begreater than or less than the maximum height H₂ of the second node 104.

In various embodiments, the corner formed between the first extension106 and the second extension 108 may have an angle of at least 25, 40,50, 60, 70, or 80 degrees and/or less than 150, 140, 130, 120, 110, 100,or 95 degrees.

In various embodiments, the corner gasket 100 is designed to be usedwith filter cartridges and the tube sheet door hinge. A benefit of thecorner gasket 100 is that it maintains a minimal profile, yet stillprovides superior sealing.

More particularly, the corner gasket 100 is designed to hold onto aslight edge. Generally, the corner gasket 100 may accomplish thissuperior grip by grabbing onto the surface perpendicular to gasket 100.The two small lobes 102, 104 on the inner and outer sealing surface ofthe gasket 100 help provide this superior grip. The inner lobes 102, 104may be sized so that they may act like an O-ring when squeezed into theregion. A secondary benefit of the lobes 102, 104 is that the excessmaterial at these points allows the gasket 100 to actually seal betteras the pressure increases. This may be desirable because the pressure inthe system may greatly fluctuate every time a cleaning pulse of air issprayed into the filters. Unlike prior art gaskets, the corner gaskets100 are able to better handle these abrupt changes in pressure.

Although depicted as being used with the tube sheet door, the plenumback sheet, and the filter cartridges, the corner gaskets 100 may haveother uses. For example, the corner gasket 100 may be useful whereverno-ledge interactions are present in the system.

In various embodiments, the corner gasket 100 can be produced fromvarious types of elastomers. In certain embodiments, the corner gasket100 can be produced from a silicone elastomer having a shore hardness ofat least 30, 35, or 40 durometers.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict elongated forms of the corner gaskets 100 that aredesigned to fit between the door and plenum in the dust collectionsystem according to one embodiment of the present invention. Althoughthe corner gasket 100 is depicted as having a specific shape in FIGS. 7and 8, it is readily appreciated that the gasket 100 may comprisedifferent shapes depending on the intended location and placement of thegasket 100.

FIG. 9 depicts an installed state of the corner gaskets 100. Moreparticularly, FIG. 9 depicts corner gaskets 100 positioned between thetube sheet access door 114 and the plenum back sheet (housing sidewall)110 and the filter cartridge 112. As shown in FIG. 9, the corner gasket100 may be disposed between these components to thereby create anair-tight connection between these components during operation of thedust collection system.

Although not depicted in the figures, the dust collection systems of thepresent invention may comprise a pulsed air system that broadlyencompasses a pressurized (i.e., compressed) air source, at least onediaphragm valve assembly of the present invention, which functions asthe pulsed air valve; a controller for controlling the diaphragm valveassembly and pulsed distribution of the pressurized air; an airdistribution assembly including a plurality of purge pipes; and tubingfor delivering the pressurized air from the pressurized air source andto the air distribution assembly. The diaphragm valve assembly ispreferably controlled by the controller and is operable to selectivelydeliver pressurized air to the air distribution assembly in short pulsesor bursts. More than one diaphragm valve assembly may be employeddepending on the size of the air distribution assembly and the number ofpurge pipes.

Tubing may connect the air source to the diaphragm valve assembly, andthe diaphragm valve assembly to the air distribution assembly.Therefore, each purge pipe of the air distribution assembly may befluidly connected to a respective tube for receipt of pressurized airthrough the purge pipe. Purge pipes are generally elongated and arepositioned above the air filter cartridges for directing pressurized airagainst and through the filter cartridges.

Turning now to the diaphragm valve assemblies of the present invention,various embodiments of these diaphragm valves are depicted in FIGS.10-17.

The diaphragm valve assembly is depicted in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG.10, the diaphragm valve assembly 200 comprises a diaphragm body 202, adiaphragm 204, a diaphragm cap 206, a plurality of bolts 208, and aplurality of openings 210. FIG. 11 provides another view of thediaphragm valve assembly 200 in assembled form.

FIGS. 12A-12E provide various views of the diaphragm valve body 202,which may be divided into an upper body 202 a and a lower body 202 b.The upper body 202 a comprises a shaped opening that is configured tofacilitate the presence of the diaphragm 204. For example, the shapedopening of the upper body 202 a may hold the diaphragm 204 and keep thediaphragm 204 separate from the lower body 202 b. Generally, thediaphragm 204 may regulate the flow of air from the pressurized airsource. The lower body 202 b may also contain an opening to facilitatethe passage of air pulses during the cleaning cycle to the purge pipes.As shown in FIGS. 12A, 12C, and 12D, the shaped opening of the upperbody 202 b may taper down into the opening within the lower body 202 b.

As shown in FIGS. 12A-12E, the upper body 202 a has a greater widthrelative to the lower body 202 b. The difference between the upper body202 a and the lower body 202 b is generally based on the presence of thediaphragm 204 in the upper body 202 b. Moreover, the cross-sectionalshapes of the upper body 202 a and the lower body 202 b can be the sameor different, depending on the intended placement of the diaphragm valveassembly.

Furthermore, FIGS. 12A-12E depict how the diaphragm valve body 202comprises a plurality of openings 210 and one or more indentations 212machined into the lower body 202 b. These openings 210 and indentations212 are important because they allow the diaphragm valve assembly 200 tobe installed into a pipe or tube or on a flat surface. For example, theindentations 212 may be configured to attach to specific surfaces, suchas a pipe or tube. In addition, the indentations 212 may also facilitateimproved airflow (cv and kv coefficients). Another possible benefit ofthe indentations 212 is that they may be arranged so as to mitigatemoisture accumulation around the diaphragm valve assembly 200.Consequently, this can help enhance the sanitation conditions within thedust collection system as it mitigates undesirable water formation.Generally, in various embodiments, the diaphragm valve body 202comprises only one indentation 212 or two indentations 212. In certainembodiments, the indentations 212 may open directly into the openingthroughout the lower body 202 b.

The size and shape of the indentations 212 can be important and affecttheir performance properties. The shape of the indentations 212 may beconfigured based on the intended use and placement of the diaphragmvalve assembly. FIG. 12E depicts the maximum width W₁ of the diaphragmvalve body 202, the maximum width W₂ of the indentation 212, the maximumheight H₁ of the diaphragm valve body 202, and the maximum height H₂ ofthe indentation 212.

In various embodiments, the maximum width W₁ of the diaphragm valve body202 is at least 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2 and/orless than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 times greater than the maximumwidth W₂ of the indentation 212.

In various embodiments, the maximum height H₁ of the diaphragm valvebody 202 is at least 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2and/or less than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 times greater than themaximum height H₂ of the indentation 212.

While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the widthand height of the indentations 212 are important because the particularform and shapes of the diaphragm valve assemblies may prevent moistureaccumulation within the dust collection system, enhance airflow withinthe diaphragm, and allow the diaphragm valve assemblies to exhibit aversatile utility so that they can be positioned at various locations(e.g., flat surfaces, pipes, etc.).

FIG. 13 depicts the diaphragm valve assembly 200 positioned on an airpressure tank 214 and in relation to the purge pipes 216.

The diaphragm valve assemblies of the present invention can be immersionstyle valves, wherein at least a portion of the diaphragm valve assembly200 is placed within the pressurized air reservoir 214 of the pulsecleaning system and connected to the purge pipe 216. This immersionstyle configuration is depicted in FIGS. 14-16.

FIG. 14 also depicts how the diaphragm valve assembly 200 may be welded218 into place within the air reservoir tank 214 and on the purge pipe216. As shown in FIG. 14, the diaphragm valve assembly 200 is welded 218onto the tank 214 and purge pipe 216.

A benefit of the diaphragm valve assembly of the present invention isthat they can be fitted so that they can fit any shape of connection.For example, the diaphragm valve bodies of the present invention can beused with and/or inserted into round bodies. This may be accomplished bywelding the diaphragm valve body onto the desired location.

Lastly, in FIG. 17, an alternative embodiment is depicted wherein thediaphragm valve assembly 200 is attached to a flat sheet 220.

In various embodiments, the diaphragm body can be made from a stainlesssteel. Consequently, this can result in a diaphragm body that is moredurable. Furthermore, the diaphragm may be produced from an elastomer,thereby providing the rigidity and elasticity needed for the diaphragm.

Other benefits of the diaphragm valve assembly of the present inventionis that the diaphragm body may contain less fittings, which may helpenhance the sanitary conditions of the dust collection system. In otherwords, for example, the diaphragm valve body may contain less crevicesor other nodes relative to prior art diaphragm valves, which can preventundesirable buildup on the valve bodies of the present invention.

Definitions

It should be understood that the following is not intended to be anexclusive list of defined terms. Other definitions may be provided inthe foregoing description, such as, for example, when accompanying theuse of a defined term in context.

As used herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” mean one or more.

As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or moreitems, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itselfor any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed.For example, if a composition is described as containing components A,B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; Aand B in combination; A and C in combination, B and C in combination; orA, B, and C in combination.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and “comprise” areopen-ended transition terms used to transition from a subject recitedbefore the term to one or more elements recited after the term, wherethe element or elements listed after the transition term are notnecessarily the only elements that make up the subject.

As used herein, the terms “having,” “has,” and “have” have the sameopen-ended meaning as “comprising,” “comprises,” and “comprise” providedabove.

As used herein, the terms “including,” “include,” and “included” havethe same open-ended meaning as “comprising,” “comprises,” and “comprise”provided above.

Numerical Ranges

The present description uses numerical ranges to quantify certainparameters relating to the invention. It should be understood that whennumerical ranges are provided, such ranges are to be construed asproviding literal support for claim limitations that only recite thelower value of the range as well as claim limitations that only recitethe upper value of the range. For example, a disclosed numerical rangeof 10 to 100 provides literal support for a claim reciting “greater than10” (with no upper bounds) and a claim reciting “less than 100” (with nolower bounds).

Claims not Limited to Disclosed Embodiments

The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used asillustration only, and should not be used in a limiting sense tointerpret the scope of the present invention. Modifications to theexemplary embodiments, set forth above, could be readily made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention.

The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine ofEquivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of thepresent invention as it pertains to any apparatus not materiallydeparting from but outside the literal scope of the invention as setforth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A diaphragm valve assembly for a dust collectionsystem, said diaphragm valve assembly comprising: (a) a diaphragm bodycomprising a lower body and an upper body, wherein said lower bodycomprises at least one indentation, wherein said diaphragm body presentsa passageway extending longitudinally through said upper body and saidlower body, wherein said passageway facilitates passage of air pulsesthrough said diaphragm body, wherein the air pulses are configured toclean filter media associated with the dust collection system, whereinsaid lower body comprises at least one indentation forming a portextending laterally through said lower body, wherein thelaterally-extending port is fluidly connected with thelongitudinally-extending passageway of said upper and lower bodies,wherein the indentation is configured to (i) facilitate improved airflowthrough said diaphragm valve assembly, and (ii) permit said diaphragmvalve assembly to be installed on variously shaped surfaces; (b) adiaphragm held in said upper body; and (c) a diaphragm cap adapted to beaffixed to said upper body.
 2. The diaphragm valve assembly of claim 1,wherein said diaphragm valve assembly is configured to function as animmersion valve.
 3. The diaphragm valve assembly of claim 1, whereinsaid upper body comprises a shaped opening configured to facilitate thepresence of the diaphragm.
 4. The diaphragm valve assembly of claim 3,wherein said diaphragm is positioned in said shaped opening of saidupper body.
 5. The diaphragm valve assembly of claim 4, wherein saiddiaphragm is produced from an elastomer.
 6. The diaphragm valve assemblyof claim 1, wherein said upper body has a greater width relative to saidlower body.
 7. The diaphragm valve assembly of claim 1, wherein saidupper body comprises a maximum width W1 and said indentation comprises amaximum width W2, wherein said maximum width W1 of said diaphragm bodyis at least 1.1 times greater than said maximum width W2 of saidindentation.
 8. The diaphragm valve assembly of claim 1, wherein saiddiaphragm body comprises a maximum height H1 and said indentationcomprises a maximum height H2, wherein said maximum height H1 of thediaphragm body is at least 1.1 times greater than said maximum height H2of said indentation.
 9. A dust collection system comprising: (a) a purgepipe; (b) a gas reservoir tank; and (c) a diaphragm valve assembly atleast partially disposed in said gas reservoir tank and in fluidcommunication with said purge pipe, wherein said diaphragm valveassembly comprises— (i) a diaphragm body comprising a lower body and anupper body, wherein said lower body comprises at least one indentation,wherein said diaphragm body presents a passageway extendinglongitudinally through said upper body and said lower body, wherein saidpassageway facilitates passage of air pulses through said diaphragmbody, wherein the air pulses are configured to clean filter mediaassociated with the dust collection system, wherein said lower bodycomprises at least one indentation forming a port extending laterallythrough said lower body, wherein the laterally-extending port is fluidlyconnected with the longitudinally-extending passageway of said upper andlower bodies, wherein the indentation is configured to (i) facilitateimproved airflow through said diaphragm valve assembly, and (ii) permitsaid diaphragm valve assembly to be installed on variously shapedsurfaces; (ii) a diaphragm held in said upper body; and (iii) adiaphragm cap adapted to be affixed to said upper body.
 10. The dustcollection system of claim 9, wherein said diaphragm valve assembly isconfigured to function as an immersion valve.
 11. The dust collectionsystem of claim 9, wherein said upper body comprises a shaped openingconfigured to facilitate the presence of the diaphragm.
 12. The dustcollection system of claim 11, wherein said diaphragm is positioned insaid shaped opening of said upper body.
 13. The dust collection systemof claim 12, wherein said diaphragm is produced from an elastomer. 14.The dust collection system of claim 9, wherein said upper body has agreater width relative to said lower body.
 15. The dust collectionsystem of claim 9, wherein said upper body comprises a maximum width W1and said indentation comprises a maximum width W2, wherein said maximumwidth W1 of said diaphragm body is at least 1.1 times greater than saidmaximum width W2 of said indentation.
 16. The dust collection system ofclaim 9, wherein said diaphragm body comprises a maximum height H1 andsaid indentation comprises a maximum height H2, wherein said maximumheight H1 of the diaphragm body is at least 1.1 times greater than saidmaximum height H2 of said indentation.
 17. The dust collection system ofclaim 9, wherein said upper body comprises a maximum width W1 and saidindentation comprises a maximum width W2, wherein said maximum width W1of said diaphragm body is at least 1.5 times greater than said maximumwidth W2 of said indentation.
 18. The dust collection system of claim 9,wherein said diaphragm body comprises a maximum height H1 and saidindentation comprises a maximum height H2, wherein said maximum heightH1 of the diaphragm body is at least 1.5 times greater than said maximumheight H2 of said indentation.
 19. The dust collection system of claim9, further comprising a controller for controlling said diaphragm valveassembly and pulsed distribution of pressurized air.
 20. The dustcollection system of claim 9, wherein said dust collection systemcomprises a plurality of diaphragm valve assemblies.